[A program for the rehabilitation of mentally ill students]

The rehabilitation of mentally ill undergraduates is a neglected area. The scope and relevance of this problem are confirmed by the epidemiological figures available. A programme aimed at supporting mentally ill undergraduates at Münster university offers such students psychoeducationally oriented group therapy and intensive individual counselling. The report covers 82 students who have expressed interest in this programme since the 1993 summer semester. 57 took part for at least 1 semester, the majority of them (56%) being schizophrenic patients. The main problem is in structuring and coping with required standards of performance, social isolation, excessively high expectations of their own achievement potential, and insecurity with regard to the prospects of success in their degree courses. Experience to date confirms the need for, and the opportunities offered by on-target support of mentally ill undergraduates.